In the first issue, we were introduced to a world where magic is treated like currency. Those with the ability to practice it are the “haves” who run the United States. Those without that ability are the “have nots,” forever relegated to the lower class, the unimportant, the forgotten. We also met Cinder, one of the “have nots” who believes there’s a spell that can give him the magic he doesn’t come by naturally.

In this issue, we see Cinder and his goblin friend, Blacktooth, trying to track down information about one of the very first wizards—a man named J. Robert Oppenheimer. In the process, we get to learn a little more about Cinder’s history. It seems that, even though he himself was born without the ability to do magic, he comes from a family of wealthy and respected wizards. What he lacks in magic, though, he more than makes up for in sheer bravado. Not only has he stolen from some of the most powerful and vindictive wizards in the country, he’s willing to lie and cheat his way past several others, seemingly with no concern for the consequences.

Though Cinder has absolutely no magic of his own and, indeed, almost no knowledge of it, he’s very good at pretending that he does—which continually leads him into dangerous territory. In the real world, he’d be the type to threaten members of the mafia with a toy pistol. So far, the ruse generally seems to work, but I have a feeling it’s all going to catch up with him before long.

This is a fun comic, and I’m really enjoying it so far. In addition to a unique and compelling story, the artwork creates an intricate world ruled by magic, full of creatures, spells, and other fantastical elements, all within a modern setting. All in all, it’s a great adventure and one that’s worth checking out.